2018 Pepin County 4-H Achievement Program

Pepin County’s 4-H held their Achievement Program at the Pepin School on Sunday October 14, 2018. The Achievement program recognizes our Pepin County 4-H members and their accomplishments for this year. Members of the 4-H Senior Youth Council (Teen Leaders) led the program. Approximately 50 4-H members, parents, leaders and friends attended the program.

Usually one of the first travelling opportunities available to 4-Hers is the Finding Interesting Varieties in Everyone (FIVE) Trip. Makena Moline. Jackson Riesgraf, and Jameson Riesgraf chose to participate on this short excursion. This year, members from Buffalo, Pepin and Pierce counties travelled to Lake Geneva where they experienced cultural differences of southern Wisconsin. The FIVE trip provides youth with a chance to learn more about themselves and their peers while enhancing their skills to become a more independent traveler.

This summer, Stephanie Brantner, Kevin Cataract, Marsha Heck, Maya Jungwirth, and Alex McMahon elected to partake in the multi-county Service Learning Trip to California. Service projects, as well as other cultural, social, and leadership building opportunities are just some of the highpoints that were shared relating to this particular journey.

The American Spirit–East Trip, is a bus travel experience to Pennsylvania, New York City, Plymouth Rock, Boston and Niagara Falls. Morgan Moline, Bryce Quinton, Jaden Riesgraf, and Sydney Seifert were selected to represent the county on this outing. 4-H members were exposed to many aspect relating to American history and gained a better understanding of America’s heritage.

4-H partners with the National Park Service to incorporate several National Park units in the American Spirit–West Trip. Ally Arens shared her experience about learning of the foundation of the National Parks, while gaining an appreciation of natural resources, outdoor and leadership skills.

The Kinnissippewa 4-H Camp was also a bright spot in the program where both counselors (Stephanie Brantner, Maya Jungwirth, Jordin McMahon, and Morgan Moline) and campers (Amelia Ingli and Dominic Moline) were acknowledged for their participation.

Receiving the 4-H Senior Youth Council (4-H Teen Leaders) award was Claire Raethke, recognizing her participation in numerous 4-H activities and her leadership role as President of SYC throughout the year.

The following members were recognized for their consistent participation in club meetings and activities by receiving the 2017-2018 4-H Club Activity Award: Makena Moline and Morgan Moline from the Chippewa Club; Aubrie Brunner and Abby Weber from the Lima Lads & Lassies Club; Merissa Klein from the Waubeek Corners Club.

The 2018 Pepin County Special Emphasis trophy was presented to the Lima Lads & Lassies 4-H Club for their exceptional community involvement and hard–work put forth into Pepin County.

Addison Auth, Tessa Auth, and Lauren Hendel were acknowledged to have created the top county 4-H Stories of the year and received a 2017-2018 Outstanding 4-H Story award and cash prize.

One of the highest honors awarded to 4-H members across the state is the Wisconsin 4-H Key Award Program. The Program recognizes a select group of 4-H participants who have demonstrated consistent growth in their 4-H involvement, developed and applied their leadership skills and actively participated in the functions of their 4-H club and community. This year Kevin Cataract and Marsha Heck were bestowed with this honor.

In closing of the program, Wendy Brantner led a county-wide 4-H service learning project for the Home Place and Pepin Manor assisted living facilities. This is just one activity that emphasize the critical components of a successful learning experience. The sense of Belonging, Independence, Mastery, and Generosity are vital to the positive development of youth and are embedded in the Pepin County 4-H program.

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